Finding winter warmth in the Toowoomba coat rack

Finding winter warmth in the Toowoomba coat rack

Multicultural Development Australia (MDA Ltd) Toowoomba is launching the “Toowoomba Coat Rack” campaign to lessen the stress of winter for those suffering the most.

Winter can be a tough season for many people who are unable to sufficiently heat their home or may not have enough clothing to cope with the cold.

From Monday 10 July to Friday 21 July, community members can give or receive a coat from the Toowoomba Regional Library from 10 am – 2 pm daily. Volunteers are also welcome to assist during the two week period.

MDA Regional Manager – South West Region, Kelly Buckingham said she saw a similar idea during a trip to Canberra.

“Canberran’s know a thing or two about cold and I just thought it was such a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and help each other,” Ms Buckingham said.

“Toowoomba is an incredibly giving community and I hope we can make winter a better time for a few people.

“Someone might be able to donate an unwanted coat, but some may be able to donate their time to assist with collection and distribution which is just as helpful.

“We are such a special community here in Toowoomba and we’ve been fortunate to partner with Catholic Care Social Services, Toowoomba Refugee & Migrant Support and Mercy Community Services and congregation at St Johns Presbyterian church South Toowoomba in collecting coats,” she said.

People wanting to donate clean coats can drop them off at the Toowoomba MDA office, 166a Hume street. In Brisbane, coats can be dropped to MDA Reception at the Brisbane Multicultural Centre, 28 Dibley Street, Woolloongabba between 1pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

If people wish to donate a few hours of their time, they can contact Fikre Desta at MDA on 4632 1466.

“Toowoomba has a big heart and we’d love to see that anyone who needs help can get it,” Ms Buckingham said.

MDA South West Region assists newly arrived migrants and refugees with settlement into their new community. Their work is based on helping new arrivals overcome the everyday challenges of settling into a new country and working with them to build their futures.

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MDA (Multicultural Development Australia) acknowledges the traditional custodians of all the lands on which we meet, work and live. We recognise that this land has always been Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and always will be.

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